Statement of Rep. Ed Casso regarding veto of SB 180

I am disappointed that the Governor chose to veto Senate Bill 180. I believe that this bill would give our local firefighters -- our heroes -- a better opportunity to negotiate for improved safety equipment and other vital benefits.

We will continue to work together to expand opportunity for all Coloradans including our critical emergency services personnel.

Working class families are just that; working class families. I don’t think that it should matter if they are union members or not. When we are talking firefighters, the law should reflect an absolute fairness in their ability to make a better life for themselves. Senate Bill 180 only allowed firefighters a seat at the table when it comes to deciding their safety and future.

Firefighters who choose to organize should have the ability to do so. There should not be procedural, administrative, or municipal regulations that forbid two sides from coming together for the betterment of the community.

We respect home rule and the preservation of local control at the municipal level. However, when local jurisdiction gets in the way of what is right or fair, I feel that there indeed is a compelling statewide interest in leveling the playing field, especially when it comes to our first-responders like our firefighters.

Senate Bill 180 had significant guardrails built into the framework of the legislation that would have guaranteed fair and stable negotiations. SB 180 had an explicit no-strike clause, there was no binding arbitration, and all impasses would require a vote of the people paid for by the entity that refused concession.

We have done so much to protect and invest in the workers of Colorado. Yet, with the veto of SB 180, it seems that we have somehow fallen short of this charge with our firefighters. I am very disappointed.